Morocco Willing to Take Back Minors from Spain If Hurdles Removed

Morocco has declared its readiness to receive all unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently in Spain, provided that Spain removes the "judicial and administrative obstacles that prevent it." A Moroccan diplomatic source emphasized that Morocco has made clear commitments on this issue, with King Mohammed VI issuing instructions to facilitate the return of these children to their country of origin.

The source refuted interpretations by some Spanish media and political actors that portray Morocco as having failed to meet its commitments. The diplomat criticized the use of the issue for "political purposes," asserting that Morocco consistently upholds its obligations. The issue of returning unaccompanied minors was previously addressed in a joint statement between the Moroccan and Spanish Interior Ministries in June 2021.

According to the Moroccan source, identifying the minors is not the impediment; rather, it is the administrative and sometimes judicial measures within Spain that hinder repatriation. "The minor cannot return or cannot benefit from this cooperation operation. There are obstacles in current Spanish legislation, where minors receive specific treatment," the source explained. The diplomat also noted that some NGOs appear to favor the minors remaining in Spanish reception centers, which can lead to the perception that Morocco lacks the will to proceed with returns, a notion the source strongly rejects.

"The reality on the ground is that Morocco has always been open to this issue, and at the highest level of the state, there was a commitment. Morocco fulfills its commitments and wishes to continue fulfilling them now, provided that the judicial and administrative hurdles are lifted, so that we can work smoothly on this matter," the source assured. Earlier in 2024, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita had reiterated Rabat's willingness to host unaccompanied minors in EU countries, pointing to "gaps" in European legislation and procedures as major obstacles to their return. Bourita had called for solutions to these issues, suggesting they could inadvertently aid human trafficking networks.